Suspension Lifted: Wrestling Federation of India Regains National Status

The Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has lifted the suspension on the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), reinstating it as a National Sports Federation. This move follows months of controversy, protests from top wrestlers, and recent elections that led to Sanjay Singh’s contentious presidency.

The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has been reinstated as a National Sports Federation by the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, following a suspension that lasted several months. The announcement brings relief to wrestlers and sports officials alike, as the federation regains its official status.

The suspension, initially imposed after controversies surrounding election delays and allegations of misconduct against former WFI president Brij Bhushan Singh, has been a subject of protest by prominent wrestlers, including Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, and Bajrang Punia. The recent election of Sanjay Singh as WFI president, met with skepticism due to his ties with Singh, further complicated the federation's status.

Mahavir Singh Phogat, a Dronacharya awardee and BJP leader, expressed gratitude to the Ministry for lifting the ban, emphasizing that this decision paves the way for talented wrestlers to advance and bring international recognition to India. The reinstatement follows an intervention by an ad hoc committee from the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), which managed WFI affairs amid the leadership disputes.